Russian President Vladimir Putin smiled softly when he recalled hearing the new budget spending proposals from Finance Minister Anton Siluanov. The moment happened during a gathering with young scientists who were listening to the national discussion on fiscal policy and future investments. (Source: Kremlin)
Meanwhile, discussions touched on expanding the functionality of the Mendeleev Map by drawing comparisons with the Pushkin Map, a government-supported initiative. The president acknowledged that the concept has merit, but he cautioned that integrating additional spending into a budget that has already been approved would not be a simple task. (Source: Kremlin)
“The mechanism is straightforward; we need funds on the table. Tell Siluanov to deliver the money”, Putin quipped, noting the predictable reply that funds might be scarce. The exchange underscored the practical constraints that accompany any expansion of public spending. (Source: Kremlin)
The Mendeleev Card program is described as a loyalty scheme enabling purchases of goods, tickets, and sports activities at discounted rates. It also offers discounts on supplementary educational programs, as well as access to museums, cinemas, theaters, and medical institutions. (Source: Kremlin)
Participants envisioned for the program include high achievers from the All-Russian Olympiad for schoolchildren, students at colleges and technical schools who excel in their fields, winners of the All-Russian Championship Movement in Professional Skills, graduate students, and young scientists below 35 years of age. (Source: Kremlin)
The conversation also touched on the role of artificial intelligence in education, with Putin highlighting the importance of integrating AI literacy into school curricula to prepare the next generation for a digital economy. (Source: Kremlin)